4Matic tagged posts

The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W212) has been around since 2009 as the 2010 model, and the new W213 generation E-Class is going to debut as soon as next year.

Above image: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG

Obviously, AWD was not considered for the current E63 AMG model during the initial W212 chassis design phase. This is indicated by the fact that the later E63 AMG 4Matic version is not available for right-hand-drive markets, due to reason that the AWD mechanical parts, installed on the right-hand side of the transmission assembly, including the extra drive shaft that sends power to the front wheels, block the steering components for the RHD version...

Review Index:
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 1 (Exterior)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 2 (Interior)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 3 (Chassis and Suspension)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 4 (Powertrain)

In part 1, I have shown you some of my opinions regarding the GL450. In this section, let us take a look at the inside of the GL450.

Our test car comes with the Black MB-Tex synthetic leather option, which is standard on the GL450. If you want real leather interior, you need pay another $1,620 for that. Below is how this synthetic leather looks.

You may notice with MB-Tex equipped GL-class, the seating surfaces are perforated; while with the r...

Review Index:
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 1 (Exterior)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 2 (Interior)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 3 (Chassis and Suspension)
The 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450 – Part 4 (Powertrain)

Test Car Information:

2014 Mercedes-Benz GL450
4.6L turbocharged V8, 362 hp @ 5000-6000 RPM, 406 lb-ft @ 1,500-4,000 rpm
7-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive
Options: Premium 1 Package
MSRP as tested: $69,155 (including $925 S&H charge)

For those who have the needs to carry more than 5 persons, but do not want to drive a minivan, they will typically buy a CUV/SUV with 3 rows of seats...

For US market luxury brands, most of their upscale sedans offer the AWD option nowadays. However, not all AWD systems are created equal. Before our review, let’s look at what goes into a luxury sedan AWD system.

Differential: this is a device to let both sides of output rotate at a different speed, and still obtain torque. For example in your front-wheel-drive car, your front wheels are connected with a differential.

Open differential: when one side of output loses traction, there will be no torque available at another side at all...